Serious savings stack up as solar farm turns one

One year ago today (24 July 2018), the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm started feeding power into the grid and the latest data shows this game-changer project is far exceeding all expectations.

Sunshine Coast Acting Mayor Tim Dwyer said the ambitious project aimed to save $22 million over 30 years, offset 100% of council’s energy use and reduce the region’s carbon footprint.

“The Sunshine Coast Solar Farm has saved council $1.7 million - more than double the amount we’d hoped for in the first year,” Cr Dwyer said.

“We have met our offset goal as well - offsetting more than 100% of council’s energy use across all our facilities and operations.

“We’ve generated more than 26,300 megawatt hours of energy in 12 months. To put that into perspective, the average Australian home uses around six megawatt hours per year.

“We’ve saved more than 20,500 tonnes in carbon emissions – the equivalent of taking about 4300 cars off the road for one year.

“Council’s solar farm project has also received three prestigious awards for boosting productivity through infrastructure, sustainability excellence and planning excellence.

“Our Council is the first local government in the country to deliver a solar farm.

“We are gaining a reputation for being first with a lot of new ideas and innovations and I think it’s fair to say we are very proud of this particular game-changing project.

“With projects like the solar farm, we are delivering on our vision to be Australia’s most sustainable region - healthy, smart, creative.”

Division 9 Councillor Steve Robinson said the council wanted to help residents make great energy choices and savings.

“Over the next six months, we’ll be pulling together independent information from trusted experts and sharing that with our residents and businesses,” Cr Robinson said.

“We want to help our community learn how to reap maximum savings from their existing solar PV system, what renewable options are available, how to choose an energy provider and how to reduce their home’s energy usage.

“During September, council will host a range of sessions in libraries across the region as well as sharing information on our website and social media.”

A live data feed is available at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

FAST FACTS:

First year Sunshine Coast Solar Farm achievements:

• Saved $1.7 million - more than double the anticipated amount

• Offset more than 100% of council’s energy usage across all facilities and operations

• Generated more than 26,300 megawatt hours of energy in 12 months

• Saved more than 20,500 tonnes carbon emissions

• Received three prestigious awards for boosting productivity through infrastructure, sustainability excellence and planning excellence.